PSU Studio Critique: Crit 1

1st CRITIQUE:
Through the past few weeks I have been contemplating a series that would include letterpress and textiles. Generally, I have seen these processes in a commercial setting, however, I am wanting to display them in this series in a "fine art" manner. Through brainstorming I have decided that this series will include 7 pieces that range from letterpress to textiles, with them gradually meeting in the middle with "hybrid" works. The first and last pieces will be mounted and as the works grow to the middle piece they will gradually become deeper shadow boxes.

The inspiration and theme is based upon the word "hiraeth," which means "a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past." As I am currently going through a prolonged transition with many changes in my family, this series is my way of addressing the events happening. The word hiraeth parallels many aspects of this transition. Each work will have this common theme but each will have a more specific purpose/focus: parents, siblings, myself, land, house, and the word hiraeth.

As I typically use organic objects, textures, and various papers in my work, I will be incorporating those within the shadowboxes to tell my story. This series is as much about the subject as it is my processes and materials.

The following three images are in reference to the shadowboxes. The first two are past works, each of which were playing with various materials and values to create visually interesting 3D compositions. I received a lot of encouragement to further my shadowboxes, which is where the third image comes in. They are the two medium depth boxes, there will be two shallow ones, and one very deep box. All of which will be various heights and lengths and filled with many layers of prints, images, objects, etc.

These next two images are examples of my recent letterpress work (on the left) and textiles (on the right).

I received a mailer from this school and was intrigued by the leaves, which ended up being run through a letterpress. I would like to incorporate this approach with the letterpress and my organic found objects that will be placed into the shadowboxes. 

This is Stomping Grounds 7/7 which I created in 2013. My series will include more of that tree bast which was harvested from my family's land and the image of the home. This upcoming series is an extension of this piece and The Lifecycle of the Book.

I just received new fabric ink colors and a few items that I will use to learn how to screen print. I hope to incorporate this new skill into the textile portion of the series.

I have tracings of bark over textile prints of leaves and an image of found objects from my family's land. I will literally be using the found objects as well as incorporating them as tracings, images, drawings, prints, textures, transparencies, etc.

 

I have put a lot of thought into the concept of this project, more so than I have ever done. That being said, I am currently in the stage of gathering materials, building the shadowboxes, and formulating a plan of action.

ARTIST POST:
I now would like to talk about my classmate Molly McVey. She is minoring in photography as she works on her bachelors in 2D fine art. Most of the work that I have seen of hers has been equine photography, however, her main focus is about sharing relationships that she captures in a photograph. Through the past year she has been combining images of texture with a form, usually an animal, to create a unique alteration to the form. I look forward to seeing the work that she produces this semester and what texture/animal connections she makes.

She has expressed that she is inspired by Erik Johansson who has his own method of combining photos into imaginative scenes. I can see why she looks to Johansson's work for inspiration, it really is eye-catching and thought provoking. http://erikjohanssonphoto.com


You can learn more about Molly McVey at her blog:
http://mollymcvey.weebly.com/studio-critique-15sp-art-350-01

ID SERIES: 
I was at the Interdisciplinary Lecture Series: Art as Healing from 1-4:30 in our brand new performing arts center. It was a thrill that this was my first experience in the Bicknell Center. I was able to listen to: Dr. Harriet Bachner, Melinda Ledlow, Jessica Stallings, Dr. Gaelynn Wolf Bordonaro, Dr. Janice Jewett, Josie Mai, and Maria Lupo. I was most interested in the first lecture by Bachner and Ledlow as they spoke about trauma. Their lecture explained what trauma is, how it happens, what it does to the body, and gave hope to get past it. With my own traumas and triggers that create psychological issues, I was able to learn more about what I am dealing with. It was very unexpected but I am grateful that I was able to attend. Bordonaro and Stallings spoke about the many types of art therapies, most of which I was not aware of. Jewett had several individuals from the audience (including myself) do a "dance" task to show how physical movement is beneficial to mental health and also lectured about dance. Mai spoke of her involvement with Joplin's art community after the tornado. I was unaware of her incredible efforts as well as just how powerfully art brought the community together after the horrific event. Lastly, Maria Lupo our visiting artist, gave her lecture about her art work. I personally do not connect with her work, however I admire her passion as well as her concise and professional way of responding to questions from the audience.

PSU Studio Critique: Writing 1

Artist Statement: 

Exploration, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.” This literal sense of traveling into unfamiliar areas produced a sense of wonder and desire to explore the many unfamiliar areas that life has to offer. My love for nature brings me to exploring the vast depths of what could be. These organic objects and aesthetics are expressed through the lines presented within every media I have created with. It is important for a human to connect with oneself and with nature, peace in the soul and fire in the belly are found when doing so.

Existing is an exploration. This journey presented through an art form leads to investigating infinite questions. Creating is my chosen method of learning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

I am Catherine (Cat) Jepson, a senior at Pittsburg State University majoring in 3D fine art and minoring in graphic design. Growing up, I traveled around the U.S. selling my father's functional pottery at art shows. Through helping in the production, sales, and marketing, I gained knowledge and great respect for not only my father but other artists devoting their lives to an art career. All in all, art has been and will always be a huge part of my life; I always come back to it and it is always there for me. 

Initially my purpose for being a 3D major was not to necessarily focus on one medium but to broaden my skill-set. In the past year, I have found my niche and artistic voice. I would consider myself more of a multi/mixed-media artist and printmaker. Through independent studies courses and an internship, I was able to learn a lot about letterpress printing and in turn fall in love with it. I restored the art department letterpress last spring, had an internship at Skylab Letterpress in KC over the summer, and returned last fall to print on the press I restored. My other love was discovered this past fall through an independent study course over textiles (fabric printing and design). After finding these two printing processes, I realized that everything I have ever created or have been interested in has a design, texture, or aesthetic that would work well with either process. It gave a totally new meaning to my work, one that I have been searching for. As for my graphic design minor, the intent was and still is to understand how to be the designer as well as know how to appropriately and effectively work with a designer. I find this extremely relevant with the two printing paths.

My inspiration in generally from nature; however, there are a few artists that I look up to. They span from ones I have stumbled upon on the internet, artists that are discussed in classes, artists I have met or listened to through the lectures at PSU, artists I have grown up knowing from art shows, and of course my dad. I have several of their websites listed below. Liz, Paul, and David are artists that watched me grow up and are family to me. Along with my dad, they are all the most genuine people and through trade very hard workers. Their dedication to their profession is profound and nothing short of inspiring. Tara Donovan and Andy Goldsworthy are artists that were introduced to me through school. Both are very unique within their realms. Tara uses everyday mundane items and creates large scenes with said items that are breathtaking. Her use of material and how she transforms them into such an organic volume is incredible. Andy Goldsworthy’s use of nature as his canvas and medium of choice is truly amazing. He captures the essence of nature willingly, knowing that it may only last until the breeze blows it away. The Colossal website introduces the viewer to many artists and designers. The site is very stimulating and is a great resource. Bob Atkins is the owner of Skylab Letterpress where I was an intern at last summer. His perfection and pure love for his work is very rare and you feed off of that energy. Having skill is only a percentage of being an artist, having passion for what one does sets them apart. Lastly, Jeremy Collins is a KC artist and rock climber who has been able to merge the two and inspire the world. As I am an artist and rock climber, his story is touching and extremely motivating. He focuses primarily on maps of mountains, but has recently started a clothing line through Huckberry called "Meridian Line." Another recent adventure is his book and film called "Drawn" that he illustrated and told the story of his recent trips to the corners of the earth.

Liz and Paul Shedron http://www.ozarkherbals.com/index.html

David Switzer http://www.harvestleather.com/

Tara Donovan http://www.acegallery.net/artistmenu.php?Artist=8

Andy Goldsworthy http://www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk/

Colossal http://www.thisiscolossal.com/
Bob Atkins http://skylabletterpress.com/Home.html  
Jeremy Collins http://jercollins.com/ 

With graduation this December, it is evident that decisions are needing to be made about my future. Currently, I am planning to attend three relevant trade shows in NYC in May and am seeking an internship for the summer. After graduation, I plan to move west and work within letterpress printing or textiles. Then, on into the long term, I have a dream of having a space to work, where the goal is to bring out the creativity in people of all ages, as a healing method. Not only would this promote creative thinking but showing how inexpensive it can be, especially when reusing items. As for this semester, it will be critical to refine my portfolio and push my textile and letterpress work while preparing for my senior exhibition and job applications.

The following images are of my textile and letterpress work from last summer and semester. This will visually catch the reader up to where I am at and will proceed from this semester.

Presentation of Art Work: Post 3

In this post I will be explaining how I packaged my artwork for shipment. This project is a simulation of what it would be like to actually ship art to a gallery or to its new owner. In this case, I was to pay for and include return shipping in the package (which is standard for exhibitions). If I did everything correctly, I should expect it back in the mail within the next week.

1.) The first step is packaging this pendant. I have wrapped it in packing paper and placed it into this small black box which I have taped shut.

2.) This next step includes packaging this matted print. I have nested it into two plastic foam sleeves and then bubble-wrapped on top of that. The final image in this section shows that I taped the ends of the bubble wrap so that those edges are completely covered and the print is secure within all of the packaging.

3.) Now that these two pieces are individually packaged, it is time to place them in the box. I have added a base layer of packing to the box which, in this case, will not need to be removed by the person receiving the box. I have the matted piece laying flat and the jewelry box on its side next to the print. I have added a few pieces of cardboard between the box and the jewelry box for extra protection and plastic packing in the spaces on either side of the jewelry box to prevent any shifting.

4.) Now that the items are packed into the box securely, it is time to add the final bits of packing before closing the box and shipping. I have a few layers of plastic wrapping on top which will be cushion between the artwork and the top of the box. I also have a chunk of packing paper directly over the matted print as there is a bit of extra wiggle room which is not advisable. Any room for movement within the box promotes a much larger chance of the art work to be compromised during shipment.

5.) This last step is closing up the box at the post office. Before I taped up the box and handed it over to the postman, I placed an envelope on top. This enclosed a letter to the person receiving the box which listed contact information, a list of contents and where they are located in the box, and the return shipping label and postage. Once that was completed, I taped up the box, attached the address label and shipping labels, and off it went!

Now to wait for the package to return!

Presentation of Art Work: Post 2

For my Presentation of Art Work class, the final bits of class consist of matting and framing an art piece that will be packaged and shipped to the PSU Department of Art. The key is to successfully package it, ship it, AND enclose a prepaid return shipping label. This poses as a simulated real life scenario that artists commonly come into contact with whether they are shipping work off to galleries or their new homes. As I am a 3D Fine Art major, I am required to mat a 2D work and ship that along with a 3D work. The following two images are what I have chosen to mat and ship.

The image below is of a brass pendant I constructed with cold connections (without soldering). The lines of brass running through the center of the circle are actually hammered and stretched pieces of brass rather than just using pre-made wire. This was also the first time working with brass which proved to be quite similar to copper. The brass has a gun blue patina on the surface. The imagery is from one of my old sketches which inspired this piece as well as a design I have had printed on fabric. It has been exciting to see how a simple sketch has taken shape through different media, especially in this three dimensional form.

This next image is of a print that I composed with these ladies that were old individual letterpress blocks. During my initial learning of how to block type and images into a letterpress, I found these blocks and they printed beautifully. Having matted the print really captured the classic image. On matting, it was extremely beneficial to learn how to properly mat a work of art according to archival standards. This knowledge will not only make my 2D work much more professionally presentable but have a long lifetime without falling apart or changing color.

Stay tuned for a step-by-step glimpse into how I am packaging these works for shipment!

Presentation of Art Work: Post 1

Through the Presentation of Art Work class I am currently taking, we are learning the proper ways of displaying art work. We have started with photographing our personal work and picking work from the University's Permanent Art Collection. I have included the art work that I selected of my own work and from the Permanent Collection. 

The following image is a print from PSU's Permanent Collection. As I have focused in on letterpress printing and fabric printing through my other printmaking and art experience, I was naturally drawn to this work from the Permanent Collection. I am not as much drawn to the apparent religious scene; however, I appreciate the sketchy carved woodblock which was used to print. 

 PSU Permanent Collection

The following images are a series titled Ambiguity 1-7 that I developed in the Fall of 2013 during a printmaking independent studies course. The first image is a digital compilation of several photographs I have taken. The last six works in the series represent how one image can be represented in many ways, it is almost metaphorical in how humans are all the same in flesh but our individuality sets us apart. Every element of each piece is unique to itself, including the way in which it is hung. This series was included in the "Collective Independent's" exhibition in the second floor gallery of Pittsburg State University's Porter Hall in January 2014.

 Ambiguity 1, Digital Collage, 2013

Ambiguity 2, Solar Plate, 2013

Ambiguity 3, Solar Print on Handmade Kozo Paper with painted Veneer, 2013

 Ambiguity 4, Solar Print on Handmade Cottonwood Paper, 2013

Ambiguity 5, Solar Print on Veneer, 2013

Ambiguity 6, Mixed Media Solar Print, 2013

Ambiguity 7, Shadowbox, 2013

Stay tuned for more descriptions and images of my art work!

Skylab Letterpress Internship: Week 8, Final Week

Day 25
I cut down paper for a job, packaged a finished job for shipping, and finished the edges of my cards. During lunch, I asked Bob if he had any professional development advice, specific and/or general. He suggested taking as many random classes as possible, especially business and computer (also, more Illustrator). We also discussed the many interests that I have for potential career paths, he advises me to narrow everything down but being sure to include my main interests: art, outdoors, and hands-on. He even suggested interior design, as it would be a new challenge every day, I could use art and design skills, and it is hands on. Basically from his commercial background, he was considering the many ways that I could successfully make a living in the art world. I so appreciate his words, I really need to create a balance between the commercial and fine art worlds, I feel that I will find what I am looking for there. 

Day 26
In the morning I made three photo polymer plates and boxed up my completed business cards. After lunch we had a field trip over to the Kansas City Center for the Inc and Paper Arts, a "community studio." We had a grand tour of the Hobbs Building's basement by Calvert Guthrie. There are so many different presses and TONS of type. Kansas City is fortunate to have such a place for anyone to be a member and share the love of printmaking.

Here are links to both the website and the facebook page for the KC Center for the Inc and Paper Arts https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kansas-City-Center-for-the-Ink-Paper-Arts/61767615395
http://www.inkknifestudio.org/

Above is a print that Calvert let me take home, it's from a block from the 40's with incredibly intricate line work.

Day 27
My final day started by getting a press prepped to do the blind color on a set of wedding invitations and mixing two inks. I set the second press up with one of the colors and prepped it with a run of Skylab promo cards. The ink ended up having too purple of a hue so we cleaned the press up and made a new color. Once that was completed, I ran that portion of the cards through. After cleaning up, it was time to leave. I packed up all of my creations from the summer and said goodbye! (I will be making a visit next week, so it made the goodbye easier)

Boy, it has been quite a summer at Skylab Letterpress. All credit to Bob Atkins, he taught me SO much. I have a huge respect for such a historical art form, and definitely have found a love for it. Big thank you to Bob for being an honest and enthusiastic teacher, businessman, printmaker, and friend.